A Closer View is the successor to 1993's Oracle, a record
described by Downbeat as "charming and thoughtful, conveying the familiarity
and empathy of partners who have worked together for years. Towner and Peacock
share a deep interest in Bill Evans' music, which manifests itself in the light
touch, intricacy and sensitivity that pervade the session." Oracle was
initiated as Peacock's project and featured primarily the bassist's
compositions. A Closer View reverses the formula, highlighting Towner's pieces.
There are seven new tunes from the guitarist and three off-the-cuff joint
compositions in an album completed by one Peacock "classic", the song "Moor".
The Independent on Sunday: "Peacock's ability to combine the soulfulness of
Charles Mingus with the virtuosity of Scott LaFaro makes him probably the
world's most expressive double-bassist. His remarkable qualities reinvigorate
the playing of Towner, whose mastery of the guitar is equally extraordinary.."